With traditional video surveillance systems, best practice was the placement of cameras at vulnerable locations, capturing images of people and vehicles at those locations. This approach allowed the minimal use of cameras, as well as reducing network load. The latter was achieved by using higher resolution cameras to cover entrances, ensuring identification and evidential-quality footage could be established when a suspect accessed a secure area. Lower resolutions cameras were then used for continuity purposes. The combination of high resolution and standard definition cameras allowed bandwidth needs to be managed.

Of course, such an approach only works if the sole purpose of the system is to deliver a basic level of security. Where a more advanced approach is required, or if the customer is seeking added value through the implementation of smart technology, the reality is that camera numbers are not only on the increase, but ever higher resolutions and real-time streams are demanded by end users.